ER/PR status...why do I not know this?

Hi Krysm. That info should be in the biopsy report; you should ask for a copy from whoever did the test, or call and ask them if there is an addendum on the way. No offense to your GP, but most doctors aren't very familiar with today's cancer treatments.

There will be a second, definitive pathology report after surgery, but the preliminary results are usually good.

I had the biopsy on a Tuesday and was supposed to have results on Thursday.  I called my Family Dr and they gave me a run around and would not give me the results.  I found out later they had the results Thursday PM and would not give them to me on the phone.  Get a printout of the pathology report and ask your DR for the ER PR and HER2 results.   I got the results the following Monday upon meeting with my breast surgeon.  My diagnosis is ER+ PR+ HER2- which means Estrogen Positive, Progesterone Positive, and HER2 negative.  I have the most common type of breast cancer in early stages.  

Hopefully, your results will not be cancer.  In case it is, my suggestion is to clear your calendar for 4 to 6 months.  Make yourself up a binder to keep copies of all your diagnosis, test results, Explanation of Benefits, Insurance Payments and stuff concerning cancer.  Before you get really scared, my experience so far has been little discomfort and surprise at how uneventful the process has been so far.  I had a lumpectomy with no pain at all during or after surgery. 

If your results are ER+ PR+ HER2- there is a test that has been all over the news lately and greatly benefited me.  When your tumor is removed, ask for the Oncotype DX test which took 2 weeks to get results.  My result was a 5 indicating Chemo was not beneficial.  Also my radiation treatments were reduced from 32 to 16.  I have 2 more and will complete radiation Wednesday.  No side effects other than 1 day being tired, at least so far . . . . 

Do not let medical staff run you over and not give your the answers you need.  If you do not understand, tell them and ask for explanation.  Hope this helps.

I had a biopsy on a Wednesday afternoon, knew it was cancer by Thursday at lunch, bit didn't get hormone receptor status until late in the day on Monday. I only knew about it because my nurse navigator was waiting and watching and called me as soon as she saw it. I didn't get a call from the doctor until Tues afternoon.

What I am trying to say is sometimes the results are not back immediately.

Do you have a nurse navigator where you are--someone guiding you through the process.

Krysm7,

You are good to remind yourself that this just started. The breast cancer diagnosis is urgent to you but rarely a medical emergency so the planning seems to go on forever. It’s OK to take time to gathering info and see doctors.

When you see the breast surgeon ask for the ER/PR/HER2 status as that drives many treatment decisions. The follow up surgery adds the stage and grade details. But the hormone stuff should be available from your initial biopsy.

All the best to you as you learn more.

You and I are having the same experience with regard to not getting information that is critical in making an informed decision. I had my biopsy on June 1, met with the surgeon the following Tuesday where I learned it was idc grade 2 but no other information. She said she would call me when the addendum came in with the hormone status as soon as it came in. I called everyday after that up until Friday when they called me with no results yet. I still don't know and am meeting with the oncologist tomorrow! At this point, we are hoping he will have it. Needless to say I have lost faith in the surgeon and am considering asking for a new referral for upcoming surgery. It's been one month now since I failed my mammogram...i found out quickly that dealing with breast cancer requires tons of patience. I hope you find out soon. The waiting is the worst.

I didn't get my complete results until I met with my oncologist for the first time. I was still reeling from the shock of finding it was cancer and didn't really focus on the ER/PR answer until then. So from the time I had the lumpectomy to the first meeting with my MO, it was about 2 weeks. My surgeon shared the initial results with me when I woke up from surgery.

Claire in AZ